We all have different traditions when it comes to commemorating and paying tribute to our loved ones who have passed away.
In today’s world, honoring the customs of others while commemorating the lives of the departed ought to come as standard practice. Some may choose to follow traditions or practices that the rest of us are not familiar with, but it doesn’t make them any less legitimate.
The same is true with gravestones and the ornamentation certain families choose to place over their loved ones’ last resting places. Coins being placed on headstones is one custom that is widely practiced and that you have probably witnessed at some point. However, why is this even a thing? And from whence did it originate? Continue reading to learn more.
Coins are traditionally placed on gravestones in cemeteries around the United States and other countries. When I was a little child, I first observed it when I was at my grandfather’s tomb, and even then, I started to wonder what it was all about.
Luckily, finding the beginnings online doesn’t need much research. Although it was previously thought that the practice originated with Roman military troops, a number of sources have disproved that theory in recent years.
Still, there’s a military connection to leaving pennies on gravestones. The American Legion Website states on one of its pages that it can be linked to the Vietnam War.
“Leaving a coin was considered a more practical way to communicate that you had visited the soldier’s grave than contacting the soldier’s family, which could devolve into an uncomfortable argument over politics relating to the war, due to the political divide in the country over the war.”
There are other reasons why veterans leave pennies on gravestones in memory of their fallen friends; occasionally, they do so in order to purchase a beer for them. Each coin represents a different meaning, according to reports.
For instance, a nickel is left by someone who served in boot camp with the deceased, whereas a penny just indicates that someone was present.
On the other hand, a dime represents a combined period of military service. Next are quarters, which inform the family of the presence of whoever left the coin at the moment of the loved one’s passing.
Ever notice a penny left on a gravestone? Were you aware of its meaning? Tell us in the comments below.
This Photo Has Never Been Photoshopped, Look More Carefully
Dawn Wells was a talented actress renowned for her portrayal of Mary Ann on the iconic television series “Gilligan’s Island”. In the accompanying image, she is seen in character, dressed in a stylish short-sleeve patterned shirt and dark shorts, set against a vibrant backdrop of tropical greenery and trees, perfectly capturing the essence of an island paradise.
Mary Ann was known for her sweetness and warmth, earning her a special place in the hearts of countless fans. Wells brought this character to life with such authenticity that Mary Ann felt both relatable and cherished.
Born on October 18, 1938, Wells developed a love for acting early in life, dedicating herself to the craft through theater studies and relentless practice. “Gilligan’s Island” debuted in 1964 and enjoyed enduring popularity, with Mary Ann remaining a standout favorite among viewers long after the show concluded.
Dawn Wells left an indelible mark on the television landscape, celebrated for her remarkable talent and the kindness she embodied as Mary Ann in “Gilligan’s Island”.
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